Eight-member class includes Popovich brothers Nick and Tom

With Team Popovich being inducted, the Wall of Fame ceremony had the biggest crowd in its 19-year history.

The Battle Creek Area Amateur Sports Association honored the 2018 Wall of Fame class prior to the opening game of the National Amateur Baseball Federation World Series on Wednesday.

The eight-member class was inducted into the Wall of Fame during ceremonies at Nichols Field.

Going in were brothers Nick and Tommy Popovich, both longtime city baseball players. It was an emotional day for the entire Popovich family as Nick Popovich continues to battle brain cancer. Friends and family, wearing Team Popovich shirts, crowded the stands at Nichols Field in his honor.

The Wall of Fame honors people who have contributed to amateur sports with a focus on baseball involvement.

The 2018 class also included Battle Creek Enquirer columnist Bill Broderick and former Battle Creek Enquirer writer Will Kowalski. Also being inducted were Jack Bivens, Micki Bortell, Fred Murray and Gary Tegarden.

The Wall of Fame ceremony helped kick off the 105th NABF World Series, prior to the first contest of the event between host team Battle Creek Merchants and the defending champs Buffalo Diesel. Results of that game were not available as of press time but can be seen online at www.battlecreekenquirer.com.